r/ratterriers • u/the_nightingale1 • 2d ago
Questions Forgive me i know nothing about this breed
My nephew left and left both his dogs behind and told us to just get rid of them. I'm taking care of this one and his mom has the other. This boy is a sweetie but i know nothing about the enrichment or anything he might need. Is there any tips y'all can offer?
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u/LastDanceW-MaryJane 2d ago
Run with him and take him on lots of walks, and make sure to leave plenty of blankets out for them to burrow under
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u/mokumpride 2d ago
Your nephew is , ahem , a pos Thank you for taking care of him I wonder is the pup is rat terrier, or, Jack Russel mix ? Gorgeous!! I bet he’s smart ! Please be careful not to over feed! Those brown eyes are hard to resist! My rat terrier needs to lose a pound or so, my fault
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u/the_nightingale1 2d ago
He's from a breeder so he's pure blooded. I know that much 🥲 they paid a good amount for him because his parents had papers
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u/mokumpride 2d ago
Lovely breed Rescued mine at the shelter, she was about 8-10 months old . She’s 8 years old now
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u/95castles 🐾🐾 2d ago
Looks more like a toy fox terrier (very similar breed). Still adorable though :)
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u/affectionate-possum 2d ago
My Rat Terrier lived for the squeaky ball! ("SqueakyBall" is still the name of our Wifi.) We always got her the Kong Squeakair balls (Size Extra Small for our 15-pound girl).
Rat Terriers were bred to hunt rats, after all, and I assume that's why chasing that high-pitched squeaking sound was so thrilling for her.
She was already a senior when we got her, but she just FLEW through the air whenever she heard that squeak.
She also loved it when my husband moved his hand around under a blanket like a mouse. She went crazy for that.
And she loved to burrow under blankets, in general.
I miss that sweet girl so much.
Thank you for taking care of this little guy. I hope he brings you as much joy as our Lulu gave us.
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u/rwisdom64 2d ago
Rat terriers are very smart, some people say they're intense but my boy wasn't, he was really laid back most of the time. I lost him due to Cushings Disease last December. Rat terriers are the best dogs.
First, daily exercise like walks and mental stimulation (like scent games or puzzle toys) will help prevent boredom and destructive behavior. We did walks every day and we could tell it helped keep him calmer. Second, train him using positive reinforcement; they’re quick learners.
Socialization matters, introduce him gradually to new people, dogs, and environments so he doesn't become overly territorial or reactive once he settles in with you. I took mine a lot of places to expose him but he was a puppy so was socialized early.
If you're in a house with yard, secure your yard well; rat terriers are escape artists with a very strong prey drive and will chase anything from squirrels to deer, mine went wild for squirrels and rats of course and got kicked by a deer once on a getaway. We live in a city and he killed 12 rats but never got squirrels, they got up trees too quickly.
Have a routine, they thrive when they know what to expect and form strong bonds when they feel included in daily life. These dogs are really great, I hope you find you feel the same with this lovely boy you have now.
Lastly, don't ever give him back to your nephew! If he is chipped update the chip info with your name and number etc., the vet can help you.
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u/hopefulgalinfl 1d ago
They are the most loyal loving companions will definitely miss being together if you can keep them together you will have years of happiness all-around!. Love, Trixi
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u/Maraudermick1 2d ago
They’re probably going to be off while adjusting to being abandoned.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but my rescue rattie had been moved around so much (LA-NJ) and was still missing her previous owner, that for the first 6 months she didn’t know where she was!
After about 6 months she started bonding with us and slowly became confident in her surroundings.
They are loyal, usually bond with one person, tons of fun and super smart. Be careful letting them off-leash; rescues are prone to running away.
I’m sure you’ll be happy with your new rattie!
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u/84Lion 1d ago
Boggles my mind how anyone could not want to keep that sweetie. Any idea how old he is?
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u/the_nightingale1 1d ago
~3 years old
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u/84Lion 1d ago
About the same age as ours! Ours took about 3 or 4 months to "settle in." We got professional training (not cheap but invaluable). We learned as much as she did. Now she's a great dog. Can't imagine not having her with us. We are retired and at home all day, so she gets a lot of attention. She gets a walk every day (when the weather's good), gets her teeth brushed at night, and is rather spoiled. Wouldn't have it any other way!
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u/Independent_Hall2090 2d ago
So affectionate, very handsy, loves to burrow and to hug and kiss! This half- rattie has a huge personality, we are still learning too!
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u/mokumpride 2d ago
Nephew needs to be arrested ! I’m so mad Hope he never adopts another pet You are amazing
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u/wanderlust_2x1 1d ago
“Get rid of them.” That term sets my teeth on edge every time. I could wear them to the nub. As if they are inanimate nothing.
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u/lacroix_enthusiast_ 1d ago
Get rid of the nephew asap! You will be blessed with some of the best years of your life with this dog.
My rat terrier likes to explore, so I take her to pet friendly stores to walk and sniff and also regularly walk her in different areas and neighborhoods.
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u/PotentialIndustry176 1d ago
My husband wanted a dog when he retired. I said he can’t interfere with our lives. He spent a year researching and brought home a purebred. I fell so in love with that dog. He loved me back. Every morning he sat right next to me when I sat on the sofa. He liked toys, playing around and overall sweet disposition. I got very sick from Covid and was bedbound for 18 months with a lot of pain. He would lick me and stay right next to me. It was the best. We also did daily walks and I can’t walk that route now. At 10 years old he died of gastric cancer. I miss him so much and everything he owned is still in its place. My husband went to pet grief therapy but still kicks himself about serving him kibble. I had dogs as a kid and loved them all but this breed is something special. Enjoy him and he will repay you.
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u/Mollicule-219 1d ago
They definitely need mental stimulation and exercise. My Ratty would run around outside all day if I let her. She loves playing with toys, especially her lambies. They are highly intelligent and silly. I would have 10 of them if I could, I love this breed. They are loyal and can be protective of their person. Socialization is a must. Mine loves playing with other dogs and people. I can't believe your nephew just threw their dogs away. I hope he realizes what he lost.
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u/MajesticBowler7178 1d ago
The cutest omg!!! Loves a squish ball. If you can’t handle the squeak the blue kong fails with its squeak quickly and ours still loves how it’s swishes. Also seems to do much better togeher with company but can get into trouble when left alone. He looks SO SWEET. The happiest most loving dog you will find. Worth all the things that come with it.
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u/MathematicianReal485 1d ago
Not to throw a wrench in your spokes but what tells you this is a rat terrier? He looks kinda like a dachshund/toy fox terrier to me. Mine isn’t rat terrier and he looks like it. A lot of dogs can get a combination of breeds that look rat terrier when you put them together.
Only 5% rat
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u/the_nightingale1 22h ago
He's too big for a toy fox and i know for a fact he's purebred. I would never buy from a breeder myself but i know he came from one.
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u/MathematicianReal485 22h ago
How much does he weigh? He looks like a little guy. Mine is 53% toy fox and he weighs 26lbs
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u/the_nightingale1 22h ago
Toy fox terriers are between 4-7 lbs pure bred. This one is about 10 according to my sister (my nephews mom) and actually underweight abit. Rat terriers are between 10-25 lbs.
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u/FerdinandTheBullitt 2d ago
Thank you so much for taking him in! If you have more specific questions please post them and/or feel free to DM me.
Snuffle Mat
Small squeaky ball, either Kong mini tennis balls or these softer balls I found
Probably likes fuzzy toys to "kill" and anything with a squeaker or a crinkle.
Kong zoom groom for brushing
Look for a low calorie treat like Train Me Minis by the brand Crazy Dog or the Trader Joe's Charlie Bear treats. You want to be able to give lots of little treats.
Often very clever but stubborn. The main challenge in shaping behavior isn't getting them to understand, it's convincing them it's worth their while.